1 B2 neutral
To tell someone clearly to stay away or to stop what they are doing, usually by issuing a warning or threat.
"The police warned the protestors off the private property."
separable
warn off
B2 neutral separable transitive
To tell someone to stay away or stop doing something, using a warning or threat.
In plain English
Tell someone firmly to go away or stop what they're doing, or something bad will happen.
What does "warn off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To discourage a potential buyer, investor, or participant from getting involved.
"The negative reviews were enough to warn off potential buyers."
separable
Usage tip
Often used in legal, competitive, and territorial contexts. Can describe official warnings (police warning someone off a property) or informal threats between individuals.
Words that pair with "warn off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
competitor rival intruder investor buyer predator
How to conjugate "warn off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
warn off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
warns off
he/she/it
Past simple
warned off
yesterday
Past participle
warned off
have + pp
-ing form
warning off
continuous
Hear "warn off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "warn off"
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